Because DC is not a state, we don’t get access to cool state parks like many other states do. But we’re lucky enough to live in an area that offers plenty of fascinating national parks around the area to visit! Here are 10 under-appreciate national parks near DC that you should visit. You might just find your new favorite national park to visit in Washington DC.

1. Piscataway Park
Piscataway Park, 3400 Bryan Point Rd, Accokeek, MD 20607, USA
Yelp/Megan B.
Piscataway Park is part of the National Capital Parks-East program and is 20 miles southwest of downtown DC. The park is made up of wetlands, meadows, and woodlands and is home to bald eagles, beavers, and other wildlife. It also includes the National Colonial Farm, where visitors can learn about the history of the farm and the surrounding park. Read more about Piscataway Park in a previous article.

3400 Bryan Point Rd Accokeek, MD, 20607
2. Catoctin Mountain Park
Catoctin Mountain Highway, Catoctin Mountain Hwy, Frederick, MD, USA
Yelp/Bill S.
Catoctin Mountain Park is also located north of DC in Maryland. The park has 25 miles of hiking trails, gorgeous streams, and incredible views of the surrounding area. You can hike the mountain or explore the surrounding trails. Learn more about this national park to visit in Maryland in a previous article.

6602 Foxville Rd, Thurmont, MD, 21788
3. Fort Washington Park
Fort Washington Park, 13551 Fort Washington Rd, Fort Washington, MD 20744, USA
Yelp/Alice W.
Fort Washington has a rich history as being the first, and at one time, the only fort protecting DC. This peaceful park is right along the Potomac River and offers bird watching, wildlife, fishing, a three-mile hiking trail, and plenty of history for its visitors. Visit the official website of Fort Washington Park.

13551 Fort Washington Rd Fort Washington, MD, 20744
4. Prince William Forest
18170 Park Entrance Rd, Triangle, VA 22172, USA
Yelp/Heather H.
This park was originally called the Copawamsic Recreation Area when it opened in 1936 as a place children could live during the Great Depression. In 1948 it was renamed Prince William Forest Park and has been one of the area’s best kept secrets. You can camp, hike, bike, and fish in this fun park in Northern Virginia. Read more about this national park to visit in Virginia in our previous article.

18100 Park Headquarters Rd Triangle, VA, 22172
5. Glen Echo Park
Glen Echo Park, MO 63121, USA
Yelp/Michel C.
The National Park Service and Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture teamed up to create an artistic and cultural park unlike any other. Ride the carousel; enjoy cultural presentations and dances, and don’t miss the puppet show. This park is perfect for families with young children. Plan your visit to this national park to visit near Washington DC.

7300 MacArthur Blvd Glen Echo, MD, 20812

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6. Anacostia Park
Anacostia Park, 1900 Anacostia Dr, Washington, DC 20020, USA
Yelp/Ideen S.
Anacostia Park is one of DC’s largest parks and recreation areas. Known as the city’s urban oasis, Anacostia Park has playgrounds, a roller skating rink, biking, and jogging trails and water activities on the Anacostia River. Visit the Anacostia Park website for more information.

1900 Anacostia Dr, Washington, DC, 20020
7. Oxon Cove Park & Oxon Hill Farm
Oxon Cove Park & Oxon Hill Farm, 6411 Oxon Hill Rd, Oxon Hill, MD 20745, USA
Facebook/Oxon Cove Park & Oxon Hill Farm
Oxon Cove Park and Oxon Cove Farm is technically more than a national park. It is a national historic district, but it’s too fun to not include on the list. Visit this living farm museum, and learn about how the farm transformed from a plantation home during the War of 1812 to the park it is today. Find out why this is one of the best parks near Washington DC.

6411 Oxon Hill Rd, Oxon Hill, MD, 20745
8. Jones Point Park
Jones Point Drive, Jones Point Dr, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
Yelp/M. Gabriela C.
Technically, George Washington Memorial Parkway is a national parkway designed for recreational driving. Congress protected the sites along the road as a "park and playground" for DC. Jones Point Park is one of these sites. Located on the Potomac River, this park features fishing piers, garden plots, playgrounds, fields, and the Jones Point Lighthouse. Visit the website of Jones Point Park.

125 Jones Point Dr Alexandria, VA, 22314
9. Lady Bird Johnson Park
Washington Boulevard, Washington Blvd, Washington, DC 20037, USA
Yelp/Mandi H.
Also a part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway parks, Lady Bird Johnson Park is the perfect quiet place to enjoy nature. In the spring, thousands of daffodils and tulips emerge and in the fall, the trees show off gorgeous fall foliage colors. It’s a great place for a picnic or for a photo session. Learn more on the official website of Lady Bird Johnson Park.

Washington Blvd, Washington, DC, 20037
10. Turkey Run Park
Turkey Run Loop Road, Turkey Run Loop Rd, McLean, VA 22101, USA
Yelp/Nellie B.
Turkey Run Park is part of the Potomac Gorge ecosystem, and hikers and nature lovers will enjoy a diverse combination of flora and fauna, streams, riverbanks. It’s a perfect place to hike and observe nature. Check out the Turkey Run Park website for more information.

700 George Washington Memorial Parkway McLean, VA, 22101

What is your favorite national park to visit in Washington DC? Tell us about it in the comments! If you love these hidden gems, you will love this secret garden in DC!

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More to Explore

National Park To Visit In Washington DC

Beth Price-Williams | July 01, 2022

What are the best parks in Washington DC?

Washington DC really does have it all – from absolutely divine restaurants and one-of-a-kind shops to fascinating history and gorgeous natural scenery. You can spend days outdoors in Washington DC, exploring the National Zoo and the monuments, and not see it at all. Don’t forget to carve out time to visit some of the best parks in Washington DC, too. Relax under the shade of massive trees at the Southwest Duck Pond. It’s a natural oasis in the middle of the busyness of the city; the kiddos will love the playground while you relax under a canopy of trees. Sit back on a bench in the tiny Francis Scott Key Memorial Park for a bit of a rest and reflection. Wait until you see the canopy of trees, too. Bring a picnic along when you visit the community Lovejoy Park, where you’ll find picnic tables, a playground, and plenty of lush green.

What are the best hiking trails in Washington DC?

We never really have to travel far to explore the great outdoors near Washington DC. After all, our nation’s capital promises so much to do that we can stay pretty darn busy every day of the week. If you’re looking for some of the best hiking trails in Washington DC, you don’t have to look far. You’ll find some short and oh-so-sweet trails, most clocking in at under three miles, in Washington DC that the whole family will love. In the spring, you’ll find no prettier hike than the Bluebell Trail, which winds through Bull Run National Park. It’s brimming with – you guessed it – bluebells. Don’t forget your camera. Escape to the forest on the North Valley Forest Trail in Prince William Forest. The beautiful trail measures in at 2.6 miles and boasts a ton of scenery – from a flowing creek to lush plants.

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